NEWS: Universal Quietly Opens New Roller Coaster

Oh, now we’re ZOOMING!

©LA Times

While there isn’t an official opening date announced for this new Universal Hollywood roller coaster, the ride has soft opened, welcoming guests on, and we couldn’t be more thrilled.

According to the LA Times, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift has soft opened and is still in “technical rehearsal,” but is welcoming guests to check out the new ride.

©NBC

Technical rehearsals are so Universal can test the ride to make sure it continues to run smoothly after a full day of guests, but are also so Team Members can practice loading and unloading procedures and other parts so when the ride opens, it’s good to go. We see this with almost every ride at both Universal and Disney, and while some have set previews for their employees or Annual Passholders, sometimes the ride is open for unexpected guests to find it.

©Universal

If you’re planning on visiting and want to see it for yourself, without a guaranteed opening date, it is not confirmed that you’ll be able to get on the ride. It might close unexpectedly, limit the number of guests, or be closed for entire days before the official opening. We recommend checking in with Team Members for the attraction or nearby areas to see what’s happening that day.

©NBC Universal

This roller coaster is meant to be one of Universal Studios’ most intense roller coasters and will take guests up to speeds of 72 mph and through multiple inversions with vehicles that can rotate 360 degrees. It’s the fastest coaster from Universal Creative, and while this coaster is operating in Hollywood, Universal Studios Florida is also getting a Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift. It’s set to open sometime in 2027 and will still be called Hollywood Drift, even though it’s located in Orlando, Florida.

Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift in Orlando

In the meantime, make sure you keep following DFB for more theme park news, including when Universal announces the official opening date for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift.